Story perspectives

Phone Bans Don't Boost Test Scores, Raise Discipline Issues

5/4/2026

Center

Study Finds Minimal

A National Bureau of Economic Research study finds school-wide smartphone bans produce virtually no change in academic test scores.
Researchers examined phone-location data from over 40,000 U.S. schools (2019-2026) in the study The Effects of School Phone Bans.
The bans caused a rise in disciplinary incidents and a temporary dip in student well-being.
Attendance, self-reported classroom attention, and perceived online bullying showed little or no measurable change.

Right

Yondr Cuts Pings

Yondr’s locked pouches cut on-campus cellphone pings by 30 % within three years of adoption.
School districts nationwide implemented the pouches to enforce phone bans, keeping the program active after three years.
Teachers reported fewer classroom distractions after the pouches were installed.
Student suspensions rose 16 % in the first year, then returned to prior levels, prompting Deputy superintendent Brice Beck to note louder but more positive lunchtime conversations.

History

Historical Context

Citywide phone bans have recurred since New York City’s Department of Education imposed a 2005 ban—later lifted in 2015—while the UK saw 50 % of schools restrict phones by 2007, rising to 98 % by 2012. A 2006 NBER study noted a 2 % attendance shift and 1 % rise in referrals, and Yondr’s locked pouches now cut campus pings by 30 %.

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Study Finds Minimal

A National Bureau of Economic Research study finds school-wide smartphone bans produce virtually no change in academic test scores.
Researchers examined phone-location data from over 40,000 U.S. schools (2019-2026) in the study The Effects of School Phone Bans.
The bans caused a rise in disciplinary incidents and a temporary dip in student well-being.
Attendance, self-reported classroom attention, and perceived online bullying showed little or no measurable change.

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